Paul Pogba Set for Football Comeback with Monaco After Two-Year Ban

French star expected to play limited minutes after lengthy absence

Paul Pogba is lacing up his boots for a long-awaited return to professional football, and the buzz is real—he’s set to be named in AS Monaco’s squad for their clash against Rennes this Saturday. It’s been a whopping 26 months since the French midfielder last graced a competitive pitch, so don’t expect him to play the full ninety just yet. Monaco’s plan? Let Pogba dip his toes back in before diving headfirst into the action, especially after recent frustrations like Monaco’s defeat to Brest despite playing with a man advantage.

Pogba’s last outing feels like a distant memory—September 3, 2023, for Juventus against Empoli. Since then, he’s been sidelined by a doping case from August 2023, when he tested positive for DHEA, a banned substance. The initial four-year suspension was a bitter pill to swallow, but after an appeal, it was trimmed down to 18 months. Pogba is officially eligible to play again from March 2025, but Monaco isn’t wasting any time getting him involved as they look to stabilize after setbacks such as their loss to Lyon amid a red card and mounting injury concerns.

After parting ways with Juventus, Pogba inked a two-year deal with Monaco at the end of June. Since then, he’s been grinding away, working to shake off the rust and get back in fighting shape with the squad. Monaco’s manager, Sebastien Pocognoli, has made it clear: Pogba’s return will be a slow burn, not a fireworks show. The hope is that his presence will help Monaco climb higher than their current sixth-place spot in the league, a rebuilding task that mirrors challenges faced elsewhere in Europe, including debates around Ruben Amorim’s short but impactful legacy at Old Trafford.

Of course, the road back hasn’t been without its bumps. A pesky ankle injury kept Pogba out of the squad for the match against Angers right before the international break—talk about bad timing! But now that his ankle’s sorted, Monaco is ready to roll out the red carpet and give him his shot.

So why Monaco? Pogba himself points to the club’s ambitious project, the lure of Champions League football, his expected role, and a family-friendly vibe that made the decision a no-brainer.

Now, fans everywhere are holding their breath, eager to see how quickly Pogba can shake off the cobwebs and rediscover his magic. His return is the talk of the town for Monaco supporters and football lovers alike. All eyes will be glued to Rennes this weekend—because when Pogba steps onto that pitch, it’s not just a comeback; it’s the start of a brand-new chapter.